Wildlife

Wild Golden Eagle Scottish Welfare

Golden eagles in Scotland face persecution, food scarcity, and disturbance that limit population recovery and cause individual suffering.

Key Facts

Scotland holds approximately 500 breeding pairs of golden eagles
Illegal persecution including poisoning and trapping remains a significant threat
Poisoned carcasses cause slow, painful deaths through anticoagulant rodenticides
Disturbance at eyries during incubation causes egg and chick loss
Habitat management for grouse shooting reduces prey availability for eagles

Welfare Considerations

Golden eagles killed through poisoning experience prolonged suffering before death. Disturbance-related nest failures result in death of eggs and chicks through exposure and starvation.

What You Can Do

Report suspected raptor persecution to the RSPB Investigations team
Support wildlife crime legislation that increases penalties for raptor killing
Advocate for grouse moor management reform to protect raptors and their habitat